Suzuki GSXR Rear Brake Servicing

 

Brake servicing is one of those most important aspects of maintenance that you can never overlook or rush through. The rear brake accounts for about 20-30 percent of your overall stopping power in comparison with the front brake. In a time of real need the rear brake functionality could mean the overall difference of coming to a complete stop or coming up shy of a full stop by just a few feet. Which situation would you like to have happen?

When performing your rear brake service you must take the time to inspect every aspect of the brake assembly including your worn out pads. The pads are your first tell tale indicators of how your caliper pistons are working. Pads unevenly worn or at a slight angle could indicate an issue with the rotor which in his example may need replacing, always be sre to inspect the rotor at every service. But not all issues with uneven pad wear are the direct result of a bad rotor which brings us to proper piston functionality.

Often times the pistons is the major culprit of uneven pad wear due to the buildup of brake dust, dirt and debris. Combine all this with water from rain, puddles and washes and you've now created a crusty past build-up on the surface of the pison that gets rock hard over time slowing or possible freezing free movement.

The piston is held in by a thick rubber O-Ring. Aside from holding the piston in place it also acts as a restrictive barrier keeping in the brake fluid and brake pressure. If this rubber seal was to fail you could expect to see brake fluid on your entire rear braking system and rim. To help extend the life of the rubber O-Ring seal and assist with fluid motion of your pistons, i find it a good idea to run a small amount of high temp lube to keep things sliding smoothly and assist with harmful element resistance.

At any rate it's always good to stay on top of your brakes and inspect them every 2-3 thousand miles or at every oil change interval.

Suzuki GSXR Rear Brake Servicing